Court Order Pauses Kenya–US Health Cooperation Over Data Safeguards

A High Court conservatory order on Thursday temporarily halted implementation of a five‑year Kenya–United States health cooperation framework amid concerns that parts of the agreement lack adequate safeguards for Kenyan health data. Civil society groups and at least one senator argued the pact could expose sensitive patient information unless clearer legal protections are stipulated. The court’s order stops planned activities under the pact while the judiciary examines whether the executive overstepped its mandate. Government lawyers emphasised that the partnership aims to bolster disease surveillance, expand primary care and finance critical programmes — but opponents warned that perceived shortcuts on data governance risk eroding public trust. The ruling is expected to prompt renewed parliamentary scrutiny and calls for stronger oversight mechanisms before the partnership proceeds.